Alarm.com Posts

With ISC West 2021 quickly approaching, we thought it would be nice to take a quick look at various security manufacturers to speculate about what they might be presenting. Keep in mind, this is purely speculation. None of this is guaranteed, it's just our guess as what we might see.

Before you read about the various security and smart home automation offerings that we might see, make sure to check out our earlier post on the ISC West 2021 Health and Safety Guidelines, if you haven't already. Remember that this year's ISC West runs from Monday, July 19th through Wednesday, July 21st at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, NV. With that out of the way, let's begin discussing some manufacturers.

Resideo

Resideo will certainly want to showcase its new system, the PROA7PLUS. We would expect to see both the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS and the virtually identical Resideo PROA7PLUSC showcased prominently at ISC West 2021. You will also likely see its accompanying hardware, including the PROLTE-A and PROLTE-V Communicators, the PROTAKEOVER Legacy Receiver Module, and the PROSIX Series Encrypted Wireless Sensors. All of this aforementioned equipment is already available for purchase.

As for new products, we would be surprised if we didn't see Resideo releasing a new lineup of security cameras, perhaps under the Honeywell Home brand. With the Honeywell IPCAM-OC1 Outdoor Camera being discontinued, the selection of Total Connect 2.0 Cameras is pretty weak compared to the selection of Alarm.com Cameras. As such, a user getting security cameras as part of their system is more likely to choose an Alarm.com System than a Resideo System that is being used with Total Connect 2.0. We're sure Resideo wants to change that, so it would be disappointing if we don't see some new Resideo Cameras.

Lastly, we have heard rumors of a new hardwired system that would essentially replace the Honeywell VISTA Series. This lineup of wired panels is rumored to be named the Honeywell Home PROH8PLUS, and it would be a fully hybrid system able to support both hardwired sensors and wireless sensors, possibly using the PROTAKEOVER Module Legacy Receiver. While there's nothing inherently wrong with VISTA Alarm Panels, we might see Resideo updating their technology a bit, and bringing the hardwired selection lineup to the next level.

Nortek & 2GIG

From what we can tell, Nortek is very pleased with their 2GIG Edge Security System, and it's a fair bet that that 2GIG Edge Alarm Panel will be the main highlight of the 2GIG and Nortek Booth at ISC West 2021. And it's rightfully so, as the Edge is a highly advanced alarm panel with great features like facial recognition and Bluetooth disarming. What remains to be seen if Nortek will decide to roll-out a lineup of 2GIG Edge-exclusive encrypted sensors, perhaps to break away from the existing 2GIG eSeries Sensors that work with the Edge and the older GC2e and GC3e. However, we haven't actually heard anything about new 2GIG Edge Sensors, so that is just pure speculation. That being said, you can bet on 2GIG to heavily feature the 2GIG Edge Alarm System in their booth. If you haven't seen it an action yet, then ISC West 2021 figures to be a great opportunity. The 2GIG Edge and its accessories are currently available for purchase from Alarm Grid.

Qolsys

Qolsys has been secretly working away on some new alarm panels, and we figure ISC West 2021 to be right opportunity for Qolsys to unveil them to the public. The company needs to make a big splash to keep up with household names like Honeywell Home and 2GIG. We can expect to see the new Qolsys Budget Panel, the Qolsys IQ Hub, which we have been expecting for quite some time.

This may also be the chance for Qolsys to unveil their big new flagship alarm panel, the Qolsys IQ Panel 4. We are expecting the IQ Panel 4 to be a tremendous juggernaut in the home security industry, as the new alarm system will boast a Snapdragon Chipset running Android 9 Software, and come complete with an 8MP front-facing camera, all-new lifestyle automation pages, and oodles of great features. There's a chance Qolsys might be secretive and keep the IQ Panel 4 tucked away, but we would be pretty sad if we don't get to see it at ISC West 2021. We are hopeful that the Qolsys IQ Panel 4, Qolsys IQ Hub, and Qolsys IQ Router will be made available later this year.

DSC

Digital Security Controls (DSC) has been at the forefront of Canadian Home and Commercial Security for years. But now that both DSC and Qolsys are under the Johnson Controls banner, we may see considerably less of the DSC brand out in the limelight. As security systems are being made "sexier" and flashier to fit-in with a modern home, a bulky wired alarm system like the DSC PowerSeries NEO just isn't suitable for most residential applications. We don't expect DSC to be completely absent from ISC West 2021, but don't be surprised if Johnson Controls is putting Qolsys out on center stage, while DSC may remain more in the background as more of a commercial security option. The PowerSeries NEO and the existing DSC Iotega are both candidates to be featured in ISC West 2021. We have not yet received any word on possible "new" DSC equipment that may be featured.

Alarm.com

Alarm.com always has a prominent showing at ISC West, and we don't expect this year to be any different. However, we aren't really sure what to expect from Alarm.com, if anything new. It's possible that Alarm.com might try to make ISC West 2021 more of a quiet showing. It's likely that the Alarm.com Smart House will return, allowing users to interact with the latest smart home automation and video surveillance offerings from Alarm.com. The ADC platform strives to be a leader in terms of home automation, and they will likely use this ISC West to showcase their complete array of offerings and how their equipment can be used together to create a complete smart home. We are also regularly pleased with all the Alarm.com Video Camera offerings, so it's fair to expect their cameras to make an appearance. We aren't necessarily expecting any new cameras, but we definitely anticipate seeing great devices like the ADC-V523, ADC,V622-WELL, ADC-V723, and ADC-VDB770 Doorbell Camera.

Z-Wave Alliance

You can always bet on seeing the Z-Wave Alliance tucked away in the back corners of the ISC West Showroom Floor. Z-Wave wireless communication has secured itself as the leading protocol in smart home automation, and it continues to dominate for good reason. ISC West 2021, figures to be a huge opportunity for Z-Wave 700-Series Technology to really present itself to the public and showcase its rich capabilities. Z-Wave 700-Series, also being called Z-Wave Plus V2, promised extended wireless range, and a longer battery life of at least ten (10) years. Z-Wave Plus V2 sensors are also required to be built on the Z-Wave S2 Security Protocol, thereby making them more secure than most Z-Wave 500-Series devices.

Of course, the Alarm Grid team will be returning to ISC West 2021, ready to post about the latest security offerings from all the major brands. Be sure to keep-up with the Alarm Grid Blog if you can't make it to ISC West 2021 yourself. We will let you know the latest news for Resideo, Honeywell Home, 2GIG, Qolsys, and more as we attend the event in Las Vegas, NV. Stay tuned for more ISC West 2021, especially as we get closer to the even on July 19th through July 21st. We're super excited, so get ready for more content coming soon.

If you use an Interlogix Alarm System with Alarm.com, then you can expect a firmware update for your system's LTE communicator. The firmware update will be automatic, and no action will need to be taken. Interlogix Simon Panels, NetworX Panels, and Concord4 Panels will receive the update.

If you haven't upgraded to an LTE communicator yet, then make sure to do so as soon as possible. The 3G Sunset is going to occur on January 31st, 2022 for AT&T and December 31st for Verizon. If you are not aware of the 3G sunset, then please read this blog to get acquainted. This upgrade is very important to ensure that you do not experience a loss of service.

We want to mention that each firmware update is just a general update designed to improve the user experience. Each update is being pushed down automatically, at no cost to the user. No action is needed on your end, just have your system online and connected with the Alarm.com servers, and everything will be taken care of.

Please note the update according to your Interlogix System:

• Interlogix Concord4 - Firmware Update 189d
• Interlogix NetworX - Firmware Update 189a
• Interlogix Simon XT, XTi, XTi-5, XTi-5i - Firmware Update 191f

Additionally, if you use a Honeywell VISTA System with an Alarm.com SEM (not AlarmNet or Total Connect 2.0), then you will also be getting a pair of automatic system updates. All VISTA Systems using Alarm.com SEMs will receive the SEM VISTA 187i Upgrade and the 1.61 Firmware Upgrade. Again, both updates are automatic, and they are being provided at zero cost.

That's all the news for now. If you have any of the aforementioned systems on Alarm.com, then you can expect the automatic firmware update. If you are monitored by Alarm Grid and you are having any trouble with your system, please email support@alarmgrid.com. Please keep in mind our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F.

Alarm.com users are likely already aware of their ability to protect their accounts using two-factor authentication (2FA). Now Alarm.com is expanding their 2FA offerings to allow the use of third-party authenticator apps. This is a great new option for keeping your ADC account secure.

By adding an additional layer of security to your Alarm.com account through the use of two-factor authentication, you can prevent malicious intruders from accessing your account and your Alarm.com Security System, through your username and password alone. Existing 2FA methods allowed users to verify their identities from an email or text message. Alarm.com can also be set up so that it knows to "trust" a verified device, and only require 2FA on a new "unrecognized device" that is being used. A user will have the option to "save" a new device so that it is trusted, and 2FA isn't required the next time a user logs in.

Additionally, Alarm.com is now allowing users to set up 2FA in the form of an authenticator app. The way that these apps work is they generate a new secret code about every minute. This code is typically 5 to 7 digits in length, but it can vary. When a user goes to log into their account, after entering their username and password, they must open the authenticator app, and provide the current randomly generated code that is only good for about a minute or so. As soon as a new code is generated, the existing one is thrown out, and only the new code will be usable for a short time period until the next code is generated. If you choose to use this type of authentication, be sure to follow all instructions, particularly in the event that you get a new device, such as a new phone. Each authenticator app will have a specific process you should follow.

Alarm.com customers will have a variety of authenticator apps that they can choose from, including Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, LastPass, Twilio, Duo, and more. Most of the apps have been said to work without any issue, However, an issue has been identified when using the Duo App, as generated codes may not be valid for the first fifteen (15) seconds after being generated. If you are having trouble using the feature, then you should reach out to your monitoring company for further assistance.

Fortunately, setting up 2FA on your Alarm.com account is very easy, It can be done through the mobile app or website. To use the mobile app, login to your account through the Alarm.com Mobile App on Android or iOS. Click the three (3) horizontal bars menu button in the upper-left corner, and then choose Login information. Then select the Two-Factor Authentication option. You will be asked to receive the code using an Authentication App, Email, or Text Message. Choose Authenticator App to have a QR code generated to scan.

If you are using the website, then the process is just as simple. Login to your Alarm.com account through a compatible web browser. Choose Settings on the left-hand side, followed by Login Information. Then under Login Security, choose the option for Two-Factor Authentication. You can then follow the on-screen prompts to set up 2FA through an authentication app, email, or text message. If you are having any trouble, then you should reach out to your monitoring provider for additional help.

Do you have any thoughts on Alarm.com Two-Factor Authentication? Do you use it to help keep your account safe, Will you be taking advantage of the ability to use authenticator apps? Let us know what you think in a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. Remember to stay posted to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system news coming soon!

Alarm Grid is offering new Alarm.com System Enhancement Modules (SEMs) for Honeywell VISTA P-Series Alarm Panels. The ADC-SEM300-VT-AT (AT&T LTE & IP) and ADC-SEM300-VT-VZ (Verizon LTE & IP) are both available now. They provide reliable alarm monitoring and Z-Wave Plus capabilities.

If you aren't familiar with Alarm.com System Enhancement Modules (SEMs), they are basically cellular communicators that allow hardwired alarm panels to connect with the Alarm.com servers. The reason why SEMs for Honeywell VISTA Systems are so interesting is because normally these Honeywell-manufactured Alarm Panels are used in conjunction with the Resideo AlarmNet Servers and the Total Connect 2.0 Security Notification and Automation Platform. With an SEM, you can take control of your Honeywell VISTA Alarm Panel and instead have it communicate with the Alarm.com servers and the Alarm.com platform. Alarm Grid customers can choose from a variety of alarm monitoring plans to use with SEMs, including our Gold and Platinum Level Plans (Self & Full) and our Cellular-Only Plan. You can learn more about all our monitoring plans in this comprehensive blog post.

When you break-down what Alarm.com offers versus Total Connect 2.0, both platforms are remarkably similar. However, there are some cases where a user may prefer to go with Alarm.com over Total Connect 2.0. The biggest reason why we can think of is that the user wants to take advantage of the robust selection of Alarm.com Security Cameras. If you compare the selection of Alarm.com Cameras versus the Total Connect 2.0 Camera Selection, then it's clear that Alarm.com is (at least for now) the hands-down winner. Even if you aren't using security cameras in your setup, maybe you want a better integration with the Alarm.com Smart Water Valve, or maybe there's an Alarm.com Demand Response Program in your area that you want to take advantage of. In any case, if you have a VISTA P-Series Panel (e.g. VISTA-10P, VISTA-15P, VISTA-20P, VISTA-21iP, VISTA-21iPLTE), then an Alarm.com SEM will give you the option of using their services instead of AlarmNet and TC2.

When you compare the new "300-Series" SEMs with the previous VISTA SEMs, the ADC-SEM210-VT-AT and the ADC-SEM210-VT-VZ, the new ones have a couple of advantages. For one, the new 300-Series SEMs utilize much lower power consumption at just 230mA. The new modules also have the ability to be used without an external power supply, which was required with the older modules. In the setup without an external power supply, all of the power is supplied from the panel. However, you can still use an external power supply with the new SEMs if you do not have 230mA available from your panel. Also, the new 300-Series SEMs have new externally-facing LED status lights that are easier to read when needed.

Just like the prior editions, the new ADC-SEM300-VT-AT and ADC-SEM300-VT-VZ offer ultra-reliable connectivity across both an LTE cellular network and internet service using a wired ethernet connection. In addition, the new SEMs also return with Z-Wave Plus functionality, thereby allowing you to build a robust and complete smart home network around your security system. If you have been wanting to setup smart devices around your Honeywell VISTA Alarm System for use around the Alarm.com Security and Automation Platform, then these new SEM devices are perfect for the job at-hand. They are available right now and ready for use with Alarm Grid!

Do you have any thoughts about the new Alarm.com 300-Series SEMs, the ADC-SEM300-VT-AT and ADC-SEM300-VT-VZ? Would you consider switching over your Honeywell VISTA System to the Alarm.com Platform from Total Connect 2.0? Or maybe you're already happy with using your VISTA System with its current LTE cellular communicator? Let us know your thoughts in a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. We always make sure to cover new product releases and the latest security system news, so make sure to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Home Security Blog for more great content coming soon!

Alarm Grid has learned that Alarm.com now supports Ecobee WIFI Thermostats. Users can integrate Ecobee devices with their Alarm.com accounts for operation through the Alarm.com website and mobile app. The Ecobee Thermostat integration can be added to any Alarm.com account using the website.

According to Alarm.com, the Ecobee SmartThermostat, the Ecobee4 Thermostat, and the Ecobee3 Lite Thermostat are all eligible for the integration. Users who set up the integration will be able to control their Ecobee WIFI Thermostats alongside their other automation and security devices in the Alarm.com website and/or mobile app. If you are an Alarm.com user, and you already have a compatible Ecobee device, or you are thinking about getting one, then now is a great time to get started!

Ecobee says that their smart thermostat devices help users save up to 26% on their heating and cooling costs. The company offers a nice selection of ENERGY STAR certified thermostats, as well as their own suite of smart home automation products. Not only does Ecobee work to help customers save money on heating and cooling costs, but they also strive to create a more sustainable world as part of their dedicated efforts.

One interesting thing about Ecobee is that the company has a long-standing relationship with an Alarm.com subsidiary called EnergyHub. Since 2015, Ecobee and EnergyHub have worked together on more than 40 special programs designed to deliver grid management services to utilities and wholesale market operators. Thus, it's no surprise that Ecobee and Alarm.com have come together to create this new partnership.

Any Alarm.com user with a compatible Ecobee Thermostat can get started with the integration by setting it up through the Alarm.com website. Simply be sure the Thermostats or the Lights & Thermostats service package is enabled on your account. Then, login to Alarm.com using a compatible web browser, choose Settings on the left-hand side, followed by Manage Devices, then press the blue "Add Device" button in the upper-right, pick Thermostat, and then select the option for Ecobee. From there, just follow the on-screen instructions to complete the integration!

If you have any thoughts about the new Ecobee integration for Alarm.com, or if you want to share your experience with Ecobee Thermostat devices in general, then please leave a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. Also, if you're excited about this new integration and what it can offer, then please let us know. It's great to see Alarm.com continuing to expand their smart home automation and energy-saving ecosystem. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security and automation news coming soon.

We have a quick bit of news today, as we have learned from Alarm.com that the ADC-VDB770 Video Doorbell Camera will soon receive an automatic firmware update as part of an overnight upgrade process. This is expected to occur over the upcoming weeks. Users should not need to take any action.

According to Alarm.com Firmware Upgrade Version 02104 for the Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 Video Doorbell will include stability enhancements to the firmware upgrade process and improvements to device performance in cold weather. From what we can tell, the update will not include any new features or functions, and it is only designed to improve device reliability and overall performance.

It is strongly advised that all users receive the upgrade, as it should help the ADC-VDB770 Doorbell Camera work more reliably. We know a "cold weather" enhancement in the early summer might seem a bit unusual, but at least Alarm.com is taking proactive action. After all, it will be winter before you know it!

Users should not need to take any special action to receive the update. You also should not notice any service disruptions as part of the upgrade. Just have the doorbell device powered on and connected with your local WIFI network. As long as you have the device in active use and set up with your Alarm.com account, then the firmware update should be pushed down automatically sometime in the coming weeks as part of an overnight upgrade process. If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer, and you need help integrating your ADC-VDB770 with your Alarm.com account, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our hours for providing support run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F.

If you want to check the current installed Firmware Version on your ADC-VDB770, or any of your other Alarm.com Cameras, then you can do so from your Alarm.com account. To do this from the Alarm.com website, start by accessing Alarm.com from a compatible web browser. Login to your Alarm.com account, and click Video from the left-hand menu after you have logged in. Then click Settings on the top bar. Choose Video Device Info. Then select the camera from the dropdown bar to the right of "Video Device" near the top. You should see the Current Firmware Version listed for the device. This can be the ADC-VDB770 or a different Alarm.com Camera. In our example, it is the ADC-V523. Please note that this is only possible through the Alarm.com website. We are unaware of a method for checking the current firmware version from the Alam.com Mobile App, but you can view the live camera feed through that method.

Do you have any thoughts on the ADC-VDB770 or this new firmware update? Did the device give you any trouble when operating in cold weather last winter? Or are you a bit surprised to see a firmware update dedicated to cold weather performance? Also, are there any other features or additions that you would like to see in a future firmware update for the ADC-VDB770. We would love to hear what you have to say. Stay tuned to our blog for more news.

Update 12/30/21: The 2GIG GC3e has been discontinued and is no longer available. The 2GIG Edge w/ AT&T LTE or the 2GIG Edge w/ Verizon LTE have replaced it.

In an effort to clear out existing stock, the 2GIG GC3e Alarm Panel is now available at the bargain price of $189.99. This is an excellent chance to get a modern and reliable alarm panel for your home or business at a super low price. Act quickly, because supplies will run out very soon!

We announced earlier this month that the 2GIG GC3e was discontinued. However, due to existing stock, the GC3e Panel is effectively back from the dead for one final run. Once the limited stock runs out, the 2GIG GC3e will be discontinued forever. Room needs to be made for newer panels, so we're offering the 2GIG GC3e for the low price of $189.99. This is a rare opportunity to get a great alarm panel to build around. It can certainly fulfill all of your security and smart home automation needs once you get it set up and running!

The GC3e is fantastic for alarm monitoring. Just add either a 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 AT&T LTE Communicator or a 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC3 Verizon LTE Communicator, and you will be able to connect the GC3e with the Alarm.com Servers for monitoring service. Since the 2GIG GC3e already has an internal WIFI card, adding the cellular communicator will make it into a dual-path system that will stay monitored even if one path goes down or becomes unavailable. Alarm.com requires cellular connectivity, so you will need a monitoring plan that includes cellular communication, such as an Alarm Grid Gold Plan (Self or Full).

Although the 2GIG GC3e doesn't support more advanced features like Bluetooth Disarming and Facial Recognition Disarming, the GC3e does support the robust lineup of 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors. You can also supplement those encrypted sensors with non-encrypted sensors from the 2GIG 345 MHz Series and the Honeywell 5800 Series for good measure. The panel also has an integrated Z-Wave Plus controller so that you can start building a smart home network to make your life more convenient.

Overall, the 2GIG GC3e is an outstanding choice if you want more of a simple, no-frills panel that is still unmistakably modern and offers all the remote access and function through Alarm.com. If you do want something more advanced, than the 2GIG GC3e's effective replacement, the 2GIG Edge is available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE variants. Both the GC3e and the Edge connect with the same Alarm.com platform, and both offer the same sensor compatibility. The main benefit to going with the Edge is that you get access to some more advanced features, such as the aforementioned Bluetooth Disarming and Facial Recognition Disarming. If you don't mind missing out on those features, then the 2GIG GC3e is basically just as good. Both systems feature very similar menus and user interfaces (UIs), so if you know one, then you pretty much already know the other!

In addition, we are also offering special pricing on 2GIG GC3e System Kits. Each kit includes a cellular communicator for getting the system monitored a Honeywell LT-Cable for providing power, one (1) 2GIG PIR1e-345 Motion Sensor, and either three (3) or ten (10) VERSA-2GIG Door and Window Contact Sensors. Just decide whether you want AT&T LTE or Verizon LTE, and also whether you want three (3) door and window sensors or ten (10) door and window sensors. Then find the corresponding kit below. Hurry, before time runs out!

• 2GIG GC3e 3-1 Kit w/ AT&T LTE
• 2GIG GC3e 10-1 Kit w/ AT&T LTE
• 2GIG GC3e 3-1 Kit w/ Verizon LTE
• 2GIG GC3e 10-1 Kit w/ Verizon LTE

Remember, once supplies of the 2GIG GC3e run out, then the system is gone forever. If you have any questions about the GC3e, or any of the other security systems on our website, or if you want to speak with a security system expert who can help you build the perfect setup for your home or business, then please do not hesitate to send an email to our dedicated team at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Whether you go with the 2GIG GC3e, its replacement, the 2GIG Edge, or a different system entirely, we will be there to help you every step of the way. Thank you for reading the Alarm Grid Blog, and we will be back with more news and promotions real soon!

Fans of the video game franchise Super Smash Bros. are accustomed to the seemingly never-ending stream of rumors and speculation from fans. One of the hottest rumors right now is that Crash Bandicoot may soon be making his series debut. To Alarm.com though, "Crash & Smash" is nothing new.

If you aren't familiar with Super Smash Bros. and/or the speculation that Crash might soon "join" Smash, then let us take a quick second to get you up to speed. Super Smash Bros. is a video game franchise produced by Nintendo. It takes characters from many different series and pits them up against each other in combat. The newest entry in the series is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) for the Nintendo Switch. Although SSBU first became available back in late 2018, Nintendo has offered several downloadable updates since the game's initial release. The updates provide bonus content, such as new characters to play as, and new stages to battle on. More recently, there has been a widespread rumor that Crash Bandicoot, the main character of his own self-titled video game series, will be added as a playable SSBU character in a future update. Many gamers have been getting excited for the possibility of "Crash In Smash", though it is still only a rumor for now.

While seeing the beloved Crash Bandicoot CRASH the Super Smash Bros. party would be a total blast, another company has been offering their own take on "Crash & Smash" for many years now. This company is a lot closer to home for Alarm Grid, as they're actually one of our most favorite security notification and automation platforms. It's none other than Alarm.com!

As you may have guessed, the Alarm.com version of "Crash & Smash" has nothing to do with video games, Crash Bandicoot, or Super Smash Brothers. We're sorry to disappoint you! Regardless, Crash & Smash is still an important feature that provides an extra layer of protection for your monitored home or business. The fact also remains that Alarm.com has been offering Crash & Smash technology since long before any serious "Crash In Smash" rumors began circulating the internet. Consider Alarm.com to be the pioneers of Crash & Smash, while Nintendo is simply playing catchup!

Silliness and wordplay aside, we're going to take the time to talk about Crash & Smash for Alarm.com, including how it works and why it is important. We actually put out a post two years ago on that very subject. Please go check it out if you haven't already seen it. That aside, we're still happy to provide a refresher.

Crash & Smash refers to special technology that helps ensure that a user and/or the central station are properly alerted in the event that an intruder destroys an alarm system and/or its alarm monitoring communicator, during the entry delay or communicator delay period. Without Crash & Smash logic, this could leave the system in a state where it is unable to send signals and communicate the alarm. Not only is Crash & Smash protection crucial in worst-case scenarios with the most persistent and destructive intruders, it also provides end-users with the safety and peace of mind that they deserve.

To understand Crash & Smash for Alarm.com, you must first understand Entry Delay periods and communicator delay periods and how they work. In simplest terms, an Entry Delay refers to a countdown timer that goes into effect after an Entry/Exit Zone (i.e. a door used for coming and going, like a front door or garage door) is faulted, or activated, while the security system is armed. The Entry Delay timer gives the user an opportunity to prove to the system that they are an authorized individual, and not an intruder breaking in. A communicator delay period actually prevents the system from communicating an alarm signal for a designated period of time after the panel begins signaling that an alarm has occurred. Many systems have this type of delay enabled by default as a false alarm reduction feature.

The most common way for a user to prove to a security system that they are an authorized individual is to enter a predetermined secret code that has been set up with the system. An authorized user will know the code, and they will be able to quickly enter it and disarm the system before the Entry Delay period expires. Meanwhile, an intruder who doesn't know the code would be highly unlikely to guess it during this relatively short countdown timer. The probable outcome then is that the timer would expire before a valid code is provided. Once that happens, the system will go into alarm. Assuming that the system is monitored, and no communication delay has been programmed, alerts would be sent to the central station and/or the end-user directly, depending upon the user's monitoring plan.

Some of the newest and most advanced alarm panels available today allow users to verify authorization using other methods besides classic code entry. For example, the 2GIG Edge uses facial recognition technology, and the panel's front camera can scan and identify the user's unique "facial biometrics", thus making it possible to verify authorization without entering a code. In any case, the general principle of an Entry Delay remains the same. A user must verify their authorization with the system within a short period of time, or else an alarm will occur.

Crash & Smash protection addresses the possibility that the security system, or more specifically, the system's communicator, could be destroyed during the Entry Delay period. An uninformed intruder might think that if they destroy the alarm system before the Entry Delay period expires and the system goes into alarm that no alarm signal will be sent out, and the security system will fail. That is not the case with Crash & Smash Protection!

Something else happens when your Alarm.com Security System goes into an Entry Delay countdown. In addition to initiating a countdown timer, the system also transmits an "Entry Delay signal" to the Alarm.com servers. This happens the very instant that the system goes into its Entry Delay mode. Alarm.com then waits patiently for a few minutes, knowing that the system should logically follow-up with either a disarm signal from the user verifying their authorization, OR an alarm signal from the Entry Delay countdown and/or the communication delay expiring and authorization not being verified. If Alarm.com does not receive any follow-up signal from the system, then it concludes that the system must have been destroyed, and it triggers a Crash & Smash event. Alarm.com will then immediately notify the central station and/or the end-user directly, depending on their monitoring plan.

Virtually all Alarm.com Communicators manufactured in 2008 and later support Crash & Smash technology. If you don't have Alarm.com, but you instead have a Honeywell or Resideo Security System that uses AlarmNet with Total Connect 2.0, then don't worry! AlarmNet has a very similar feature called Advanced Protection Logic (APL) that operates in largely the same manner as Crash & Smash. One difference though is that AlarmNet cannot notify users directly regarding an APL event. Instead, APL can only be used to alert the central station. This means that APL is unavailable to any AlarmNet Total Connect 2.0 user with a self-monitoring plan. You must have central station monitoring service to use APL with Total Connect 2.0.

In conclusion, only Nintendo can put the Crash in Smash. However, they're super late to the party, as the Crash & Smash feature from Alarm.com has been keeping homes safe for years. While having Crash & Smash on your security system might not give you the same adrenaline rush as using Crash Bandicoot to beat-up fellow video game mascots, but let the record show - Alarm.com brought us Crash & Smash BEFORE it was cool!

Do you have any thoughts or questions about Crash & Smash from Alarm.com? Leave them in a comment down below. Or you can let us know what you think about the possibility of Crash Bandicoot appearing in Super Smash Bros. We're security system experts, not gaming experts, so we probably won't be able to help you out much with that. Still, we would love to hear what you have to say. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system content coming soon!

We have a quick bit of news today. Certain commercial-grade Alarm.com Security Cameras will receive an automatic firmware update in the coming weeks. Models receiving the update include the ADC-VC726, ADC-VC736, ADC-VC826, and ADC-VC836. No special action is needed to receive the update.

At this time, Alarm.com has not provided much information regarding the update. All we know is that the update is for Firmware Version V5.5.82.210318 and that it includes multiple stability enhancements. Only the aforementioned commercial-grade security cameras from Alarm.com are set to receive the update. These are all Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras that only use hardwired ethernet for network connectivity, and they do not support WIFI connectivity. Although these are commercial-grade cameras designed for commercial or industrial use, they can certainly be used in residential settings as well.

Alarm.com has stated that these cameras will be automatically updated in the coming weeks. The update will occur as part of an automated overnight firmware upgrade process. Again, no special action is required to receive the update. Just make sure that your camera is powered on and connected to the network, and Alarm.com should take care of the reset.

Since this update is only for stability enhancements, it is very likely that you will not receive any direct notification that the update has been performed. However, you can easily check the installed firmware for your camera by accessing Alarm.com through a compatible web browser, logging into your account, clicking Video on the left-hand side, choosing Settings at the top, then choosing the first option of Video Device Info. From there, select the camera (Video Device) you want to view from the dropdown menu and note the Current Firmware Version. This can be seen in the following picture.

As we said, we don't know much about the firmware update that will be coming, and we only have "within the coming weeks" as a general timeframe. But still, feel free to leave your thoughts or start a discussion in the comments down below. We would love to hear what you think, And remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more news coming soon!

We have an important update for all Google Nest Thermostat users who have integrated their Nest devices with Alarm.com. Any user who hasn't moved their Nest device over to a Google account by June 1st will have their Alarm.com/Nest integration reset. Take action now to avoid this!

According to Alarm.com, Google sent out a notice to all users still using Works With Nest accounts back in March 2020. The notice informed users that they needed to switch their Works With Nest accounts over to Google accounts. Now, Alarm.com is preparing to enforce this mandate, as they will reset the Alarm.com/Nest integration for any user who has not switched over to a Google account by June 1st. If this affects you, then you should take action immediately in order to avoid having your Nest integration reset. Alarm Grid previously covered the Nest integration for Alarm.com in late January 2020 when the integration was reintroduced. You can revisit that prior blog post here.

Fortunately, switching your Works With Nest account to a Google account is very easy. If you received an email from Google about this issue, you can click the option Switch to Google from within it to begin the migration. Otherwise, start by making sure you have the latest available version of the Nest App. Open the Nest App on your Android or iOS device. Once you are in the app, press the settings icon, which looks like a gear. Then choose the option for "Migrate to a Google Account". There will be important information that you should review. After reading, press the "Continue with Google" button. You can then select the Google account you want to use. If you use other Google Assistant and/or Google Home products, then it is recommended that you use the same Google account with your Nest Thermostat as you use with your other Google devices. You will also be given the option to create a new Google account if you do not have one already. After you have selected your account, press "Allow" to give the Nest App permission to access data from your Google account. If you have Works With Nest connections and/or the Google Home App, then extra steps may be presented to disconnect those connections and combine your homes into a unified Google Nest Home. Works With Nest connections cannot be used with a Google Account. From there, review the information, and follow the on-screen prompts to finish.

After you have finished moving over to a Google account, you may need to re-link your Nest Thermostat with Alarm.com. This can be done through the Alarm.com website. Login to Alarm.com using a compatible web browser, and then choose Settings on the left-hand side. Then choose Manage Devices, then Add Device, then Thermostat, then Google Nest Thermostat, and then Begin Installation. You will need to provide the Google account information associated with your Nest Thermostat. This is the same account you used when migrating from Works With Nest to Google. It will likely take a few minutes for the integration process to complete. If you are having trouble, you should reach out to your monitoring provider for further assistance. Alarm Grid customers can email support@alarmgrid.com for help. We respond to emails during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F.

Have you had a good experience using a Google Nest Thermostat with Alarm.com? Do you have any thoughts on the Alarm.com/Nest integration? Is there anything you particularly like or dislike about the integration or the Nest Thermostat in general? Let us know in a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. And remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system news coming soon!